Is a Colca Canyon day tour from Arequipa worth the 3:30 am wake-up and hours on a bus? For us, absolutely!
We visited in August 2026 and saw around 20 condors, tried kayaking in the Andes, and enjoyed some of the most incredible mountain views of our entire Peru trip.
We chose the one-day tour over the two-day trek because we wanted more time in Arequipa and were saving our legs for the Inca Trail. And honestly, we didn’t regret it!
Here’s what the tour costs, what to expect, whether one day is enough, and how our experience actually went.
*Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely enjoyed or believe are worth considering.
Our Colca Canyon Day Tour at a Glance
| 📍 Departure | Arequipa, Peru |
|---|---|
| ⏰ Start | Around 3:30 am |
| 🏁 Return | Around 5:30 pm |
| 🚌 Duration | Approximately 14 hours |
| 🦅 Main highlight | Condors at Cruz del Cóndor |
| 🥾 Hiking | Optional short walk, no major hiking required |
| ⛰️ Highest altitude | Around 4,900 m |
| 🍳 Meals | Breakfast and buffet lunch included in our tour |
| 💰 Canyon entrance | S/70 (about US$20) for most foreign adults |
| ❤️ Our favourite moments | Condors, kayaking and incredible views |
The Exact Colca Canyon Tour We Booked
We booked this Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour with Meals from Arequipa through GetYourGuide.
Transport, our guide, breakfast and buffet lunch were included, with optional activities available along the way for an additional fee.
We had a fantastic experience! The minibus was comfortable, the group was lovely, and the day was really well organised.
Would we book it again? Definitely! Just check the current itinerary and what’s included before booking.
Not Sure Whether to Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days at Colca Canyon?
We had the same dilemma! We love hiking, but with the Inca Trail coming up, we decided to save our energy and visit Colca Canyon in one day instead. But the best option really depends on your time, fitness and what you want to experience.
Try our free Colca Canyon Tour Finder to see which option might suit you best!
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Colca Canyon: 1, 2 or 3 days?
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This is a rough guide based on our trip and the tour descriptions, not a guarantee. Check the itinerary, what’s included and the current price before booking, and plan a day or two in Arequipa first to get used to the altitude. Booking links are affiliate links: if you book, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Is a Colca Canyon Day Tour from Arequipa Worth It?
Yes, especially if you only have one day to explore Colca Canyon!
We were initially worried about spending so much time in a minibus, but the day was surprisingly varied. Between the condors, different viewpoints, optional activities and wildlife stops, we never felt like we'd spent the entire day just driving.
Of course, there's one big downside: it's a very long and tiring day. You'll be up before sunrise and spend several hours travelling.
But for us, it was absolutely worth it.
We'd particularly recommend the day tour if you're short on time, don't want a demanding hike, or simply want to experience the canyon and see condors without staying overnight.
How Much Does a Colca Canyon Day Tour Cost?
The price depends on the tour operator, travel date and what's included.
Our full-day Colca Canyon tour included transport, a guide, breakfast and buffet lunch, and we paid about S/290 (US$84) for the two of us, so roughly S/145 (US$42) per person. Prices change with the season and date, so check the current price when you book.
However, there are some additional expenses to consider:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Guided day tour | About S/290 (US$84) for the two of us, roughly S/145 (US$42) per person, in August 2026. Check the current price |
| Colca Canyon entrance | S/70 (about US$20) for most foreign adults |
| Hot springs | Optional, usually extra |
| Kayaking | About S/50 (US$14) for the two of us, paid on-site |
| Ziplining or ATVs | Extra, paid locally |
| Snacks, drinks and souvenirs | Extra |
| Tips | Optional |
The Colca Canyon tourist ticket is separate from the Boleto Turístico used in Cusco. Check whether your tour includes it or whether you'll need to pay separately.
You can find the official entrance fees on the AUTOCOLCA website.
💡 Our tip: Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for optional activities, souvenirs and the entrance ticket if it isn't included.
Colca Canyon 1-Day Tour vs 2-Day Trek: Which Is Better?
We seriously considered doing a 2-day Colca Canyon trek, but eventually decided it wasn't the right choice for our trip.
First, we wanted enough time to explore Arequipa itself. Second, we were planning to hike the 4-day Inca Trail later and preferred to save our energy.
And third, we'd heard how challenging the canyon hike could be!
The popular two-day trek involves hiking deep into the canyon, sleeping in relatively simple accommodation, and then climbing all the way back up the following morning.
People we met who had done it said the scenery was beautiful, but the hike was exhausting.
| 1-Day Tour What we did | 2-Day Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sightseeing and limited time | Hiking enthusiasts |
| Hiking | Minimal | Several hours each day |
| Condor watching | Yes | Usually yes |
| Canyon experience | Viewpoints from above | Hiking inside the canyon |
| Accommodation | Return to Arequipa | Overnight in the canyon |
| Physical effort | Low, but long day | High |
Our recommendation: If you love hiking and have two days available, the trek could be an incredible experience. But if you're short on time, you really don't need to hike into the canyon to appreciate its beauty.
If the hike interests you, this 2-Day Colca Canyon Trekking Tour from Arequipa is worth checking out. It includes hiking into the canyon and an overnight stay at the Sangalle Oasis.
We haven't personally taken this trek, so check the difficulty, accommodation and inclusions before booking.
Best Time to Visit Colca Canyon and See Condors
May to September is generally a great time to visit Colca Canyon, with drier weather and better visibility.
We visited in August and were incredibly lucky, spotting around 20 condors!
The birds are often most active in the morning, when rising warm air helps them glide above the canyon.
During the rainy season, particularly from December to March, clouds and rain can make sightings more difficult.
But remember, condors are wild animals, and no tour can guarantee you'll see them.
That's also why we'd recommend spending as much time as possible at Cruz del Cóndor rather than rushing through the viewpoint.
Is the Colca Canyon Day Tour Difficult?
Physically, not really! The standard day tour doesn't involve any serious hiking, unless you choose an optional walk.
But there are two things to keep in mind.
First, the long day. Leaving at 3:30 am and returning around 5:30 pm is tiring, especially with several hours on the road.
Second, the altitude. The tour reaches almost 4,900 metres at the Patapampa viewpoint, much higher than Arequipa.
We enjoyed drinking coca tea during the trip, but it isn't a proven way to prevent altitude sickness.
⚠️ Make sure you're properly acclimatised, stay hydrated and avoid rushing around at the highest viewpoints. If you develop symptoms of altitude sickness, tell your guide rather than trying to push through them.
What to Bring on a Colca Canyon Day Tour
Trust us, bring layers! The temperature changes quite dramatically throughout the day, from freezing early mornings to surprisingly warm sunshine.
We wore comfortable hiking pants, a T-shirt, a merino wool long-sleeve, a down jacket, and a windbreaker on top. And we genuinely needed all those layers in the morning!
Here's what we'd recommend packing:
- Warm layers: A merino wool top, down jacket and windbreaker were our perfect combination. You can gradually remove them as it warms up.
- Gloves and a warm hat: Definitely bring both! The early morning and high-altitude viewpoints can be freezing.
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: Once the sun comes out, it's a completely different story. A sun hat is especially useful at the exposed viewpoints.
- Comfortable hiking pants and shoes: You don't need technical hiking gear, but you'll be much more comfortable throughout the long day.
- Cash in Peruvian soles: For optional activities, souvenirs and any entrance fees not included in your tour.
- Swimwear and a towel: If you want to enjoy the hot springs.
- Camera with a good zoom: Perfect for photographing condors, especially when they're flying further away.
- Water and snacks: It's a long day, so it's always good to have something with you!
💡 Our tip: Keep your warm clothes easily accessible in the minibus rather than buried at the bottom of your bag. You'll probably be putting layers on and taking them off several times throughout the day!
Our Colca Canyon Day Tour: What to Expect
Now for the fun part! Here's how our day actually went.
1. Early Departure and Breakfast in the Colca Valley
Our adventure started at 3:30 am near Arequipa's Plaza de Armas. Yes, seriously that early! 😅
Luckily, we were staying at Los Andes Bed, just two minutes' walk from the main square. It was affordable, super central, and honestly, we couldn't have asked for a better location for such an early departure!
We drove for around three hours before stopping for breakfast in the Colca Valley.
And the breakfast was actually really nice! We had eggs, bread, coca tea and a few other things, plus time to use the toilets before continuing.
After another 30–40 minutes of driving, we finally reached the most exciting part of the day: Cruz del Cóndor.
2. Watching Condors at Cruz del Cóndor
This was absolutely incredible!
Our guide gave us two options: get off the minibus a little earlier and walk 20–30 minutes along the canyon, or drive directly to the viewpoint.
About half our group chose the walk, while the rest, including us, went straight to Cruz del Cóndor.
And we're so glad we did!
The walk offers extra canyon views, but it also means less time at the main viewpoint. Since condor sightings depend on a bit of luck, we preferred having more time to wait.
There are several viewpoints to explore, plenty of photo opportunities, toilets, and even people dressed in funny condor costumes posing for pictures! 😄
At first, we didn't see much. But after being patient, more and more condors started appearing.
We counted around 20!
Watching these enormous birds glide above the canyon was genuinely one of the most spectacular things we experienced in Peru.
Some were far away, others came much closer, and we couldn't stop taking pictures.
💡 Our tip: If seeing condors is your priority, we'd choose the direct bus option rather than the short walk. Having more time at Cruz del Cóndor gives you more opportunities to spot them.
3. Hot Springs, Kayaking and Beautiful Canyon Viewpoints
After watching the condors, we headed towards the hot springs near Yanque, where we had around an hour for optional activities.
And here's something we really liked: everyone could choose what they wanted to do!
Some people relaxed in the approximately 38°C hot springs, while others could try kayaking, ziplining or other activities available that day.
We chose kayaking, and we absolutely loved it!
It was quite short, but such a fun experience in a beautiful setting, and a nice change from sightseeing.
These activities were paid separately, directly on-site. Kayaking cost us about S/50 (US$14) for the two of us, which felt like great value for paddling in the middle of the Andes!
Afterwards, we made another two or three stops at incredible viewpoints overlooking the canyon and its agricultural terraces.
We took loads of pictures and even tried cactus juice, which was surprisingly delicious!
4. Buffet Lunch in Chivay
Our next stop was a buffet lunch in Chivay.
It was all-you-can-eat, with different local dishes. Honestly, the food wasn't anything special, but it was perfectly fine.
What we enjoyed most was having plenty of time to relax and chat with our group. Everyone had already shared so many experiences that morning, and the atmosphere was lovely.
Some travellers were also continuing towards Puno and transferred to another vehicle after lunch.
5. Volcano Viewpoint at Almost 4,900 Metres
In the afternoon, we headed towards the Patapampa viewpoint, also known as the Mirador de los Andes.
At around 4,900 metres above sea level, it's one of the highest points of the entire trip!
The views of the Andean mountains and surrounding volcanoes were incredible, and the landscape felt completely different from the canyon.
There were also local vendors selling souvenirs and handmade products, so we had a little time to look around and take pictures.
🧥 Definitely bring a warm jacket for this stop!
6. Llamas, Alpacas and the Return to Arequipa
Our final sightseeing stop was in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve area, where we got to see llamas, alpacas and vicuñas in the wild.
We spent around 15 minutes taking pictures before continuing back towards Arequipa.
🦩 15 minutes in Salinas wasn’t nearly enough! Picture flamingos on a shimmering salt lagoon at 4,300 m (if you time the season right), vicuñas strolling past and the Misti and Chachani volcanoes on the horizon. Got a spare day in Arequipa? Give it a trip of its own.
This Laguna & Salar de Salinas tour takes you right there, with time to get close to the wildlife. It’s top of our list for next time!
And here's a funny little bonus: because some of our group had continued to Puno, our minibus was suddenly half empty!
We could stretch out across the seats and relax, which felt amazing after such a long day. 😄
We arrived back in Arequipa at around 5:30 pm, a few blocks from the main square.
Exhausted? Definitely. But with so many beautiful memories, we didn't regret a thing!
Where to Stay in Arequipa for the Early Tour
Since most Colca Canyon day tours depart very early, we'd strongly recommend staying near Arequipa's Plaza de Armas.
We stayed at Los Andes Bed, and the location couldn't have been better.
It was affordable, super central, and literally two minutes from the main square.
Being able to walk to our meeting point at 3:30 am without worrying about taxis was incredibly convenient!
🏨 Our hotel: Los Andes Bed – Check availability
FAQ: Colca Canyon Day Tour from Arequipa
Can you visit Colca Canyon in one day from Arequipa?
Yes! A full-day tour usually takes around 14 hours, including the journey, condor viewpoint, other sightseeing stops and return to Arequipa.
Do you need to hike on a Colca Canyon day tour?
No. The standard sightseeing tour involves very little walking. There may be optional short walks, but you don't need to hike down into the canyon.
Will you see condors on a Colca Canyon day tour?
There's a good chance, especially during the dry season, but sightings aren't guaranteed. We visited in August and spotted around 20!
Can you travel from Colca Canyon to Puno?
Yes, some operators offer onward transfers to Puno instead of returning to Arequipa. Several people from our group chose this option, but you'll need to book or arrange it separately.
Our Final Verdict: Is Colca Canyon Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Our Colca Canyon day tour from Arequipa was one of our favourite experiences in Peru.
Yes, there's a lot of driving, and that 3:30 am wake-up isn't exactly fun.
But between the incredible condors, kayaking, canyon viewpoints, high-altitude landscapes and our lovely group, the day was so much more memorable than we expected.
If you only have one day for Colca Canyon, we genuinely think it's worth doing.
And if we ever return to Peru with more time, maybe we'll finally take on that two-day trek!
Planning the Rest of Your Peru Trip?
🏔️ Cusco & the Sacred Valley
🥾 Inca Trail
🇵🇪 Plan Your Trip
Written by Ru & Tiago
We visited Colca Canyon in August 2026 during our three-week trip through Peru. We took the full-day tour from Arequipa, watched condors soar above the canyon, tried kayaking, and explored the incredible Andean viewpoints. Everything in this review is based on our own experience.
